Zurich SVP brings Hans-Ueli Vogt as candidate

Now the SVP of Zurich is also participating in the race for the vacant seat in the Bundesrat. She is coming with Hans-Ueli Vogt (52), party chairman Domenik Ledergerber (34) announced at a media conference. He praised the former National Council as “urban but down-to-earth”. The law professor resigned from the National Council a year ago.

He wanted to focus more on his legal work again, he said when he resigned. Parliament is not the place where he can best use his skills. Vogt started his political career in 2011 in the cantonal council of Zurich. He managed to join the National Council in the 2015 federal election.

«Perfect candidate»

The city of Zurich, which openly lives as gay, is considered rather reserved. He once said of himself that he was “not very good at generating attention”. On the contrary, he is constructive and interested in solutions. “I’m ready to take over this office,” Vogt now told media. He had thought the matter carefully in advance.

Rita Fuhrer, chairman of the selection committee, who attended the event, said Hans-Ueli Vogt was the “perfect candidate because he was experienced, respected and a highly respected politician”. However, it was not easy to find suitable and willing candidates.

Once the proud SVP section weakened

The canton of Zurich has had a total of 20 federal councilors since 1848, more than any other. But in recent days there have been many unsubscribes from well-known names. Neither favorite Natalie Rickli (45) nor National Councilor Gregor Rutz (50) wanted that. National Councilor Thomas Matter (56) also declined to run for the Federal Council.

That is why Zurich names in particular were circulated that did not sound particularly promising: for example, that of financial director Ernst Stocker (67) or national councilor Benjamin Fischer (31), who has been politicking in Bern for less than a year and a few months ago because of his professionalism. and family obligations as cantonal party chairman.

Two Bernese, one from Zug and one from Nidwalden

The Zurich SVP has recently had a bad time in the elections. In 2019 she suffered losses in the cantonal and national elections. The same applies to the local elections in the city of Zurich and the large agglomeration communities of Zurich.

While Zurich took a long time to propose a candidate, the Berners were faster. So far, Albert Rösti (55) and Werner Salzmann (59), the Bernese Council of States, have announced their candidacy to succeed Maurer. Zug finance director Heinz Tännler (62) and most recently Nidwalden councilor Michèle Blöchliger (55) have also expressed interest. (you)